ARC Flex FreeStation 5: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

ARC Flex FreeStation 5 router

The ARC Flex FreeStation 5 was supported by OpenWrt from 12.09 on the ramips/rt305x target, but its last supported release has reached end of life. Its WiFi 4 (N) wireless on the rt2800pci driver rates fair for open-source driver support (0.50/1.0), installation is rated easy, and we have no current US retail listing for it.

Drivers: Fair (0.50) WiFi 4 (N) Install: easy

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

Where to buy

We have no current retail listing for the ARC Flex FreeStation 5. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Ralink RT3050F
CPU 1 core @ 320 MHz
RAM 32 MB
Flash 8 MB
Ethernet ports 2
USB 2x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 4 (N)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n
WLAN hardware Ralink RT3050F, Ralink RT3572L via non-standard USB 2.0
WLAN driver rt2800pci, rt2800usb
OpenWrt target ramips / rt305x
Package architecture mipsel_24kc
Current release EOL
Supported since 12.09
Install method GUI OEM
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 24 VDC, 0.7A, non-standard 24V PoE
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 40 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the FreeStation 5

Installation on this device is rated easy. You can flash it from the stock web interface without opening the case or using a serial cable. Documented methods: GUI OEM.

For stock firmware > 1.2 the OpenWrt firmware must end in .img before it can be flashed.

Flashing third-party firmware can brick a router and usually voids the warranty. Always check that the firmware image matches your exact hardware version.

Still sold and well supported

GL.iNet GL-X300B (Collie)

WiFi 4 (N) Drivers: Excellent $126

KuWFi CPE830(D)

WiFi 4 (N) Drivers: Excellent

YunCore CPE830(D)

WiFi 4 (N) Drivers: Excellent

Not sure which fits? Take the 60-second quiz.